The six members of Concordia’s Habitat for Humanity team, who will be joining 37 others from South Australian Lutheran Schools, recently reflected on their training days and the trip ahead which departs in two weeks! You’ll be able to follow their journey on their blog.

“I have learnt lots about the culture in Cambodia as well as some basic vocab to be able to talk to the people when we’re there. I am looking forward to the challenge of building houses in the heat and humidity and am incredibly excited to be able to present the families with a house at the end of the week. I have wanted to be a part of the Habitat for Humanity mission trip since I was about 10. People in my church came back from the trip and presented about it which made me fall in love with the idea of being able to make a difference in the lives of others.” – Stephanie 11JLE.

“The group meetings have resulted in everyone becoming closer through understanding what we aim to achieve from this trip, our motives behind joining Habitat but also having a laugh during some fun challenges. I am incredibly thankful to have been given this opportunity and look forward to going.” – Tobias 12LNE.

Jason KupkeYouth Worker

Kalahari Experience

The 2017 Kalahari team gathered at 4.45am to begin their journey to Johannesburg, South Africa. The conditions in South Africa are extremely cold, especially at night, often with sub-zero temperatures followed by clear skies during the day that make the afternoon very warm. It can be quite confronting to realise that the people in the Valley experience these conditions without the creature-comforts of heating and insulation.

This year, the team plans to teach English, Mathematics, and Science to Grade 9 students at Bosheng Middle School in the mornings before running elective sessions in creative writing, sport, computing, art and choir.

Two of our team members shared these thoughts prior to their departure:

"… We've had some awesome fundraising events which have shown the immense support that our local and extended community have for us and the Kalahari Experience."Indianna 11SBAB.

"[Preparing to leave for South Africa] makes me both excited and nervous as it will be a new experience … to see a community that has been affected so much by poverty. I am looking forward to getting to know some of the people over there as their lives are so different to ours."James 11JLE.